Thinking of going electric? You’re not alone. With gas prices soaring and climate change on the forefront of minds and media alike, you may be wondering if it’s time to make the switch to an electric vehicle. Luckily, there are an assortment of government rebates both at the federal and provincial level that you can claim to help you offset the costs of that new EV.
WHAT ARE ELECTRIC VEHICLES?
There are essentially three types of electric vehicles. The first is a hybrid vehicle. A hybrid vehicle, also known as a ‘plug-in hybrid electric vehicle’, or a PHEV, runs on either electricity OR fuel. The second type of electric vehicle is a ‘battery-powered electric vehicle’, or a BEV, and it runs solely on electricity. The third is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which takes hydrogen and turns it into electricity to power an electric motor. automakers like Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and of course Tesla, are all coming out with a wide range of electric vehicles to meet consumer demand.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular all over the world; there were 6.6 million plug-in electric cars sold in 2021, which is twice as many that were sold in 2020. Electric vehicles are not only cost effective in the long-run, but they are also one of the paths to a cleaner, greener world. As such, many governments, including Canada’s have committed to getting more electric vehicles on the road by offering rebates.
Read More: What is the Carbon Tax Rebate and How to Get It
Canada is offering a federal rebate for the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle. Select provinces are also offering their own provincial and territorial rebates. The provincial and territorial rebates can be COMBINED, so residents that live in provinces and territories that have their own electric vehicle funding programs can really reap the rebate rewards.
In this article we will take a look at the federal EV rebate, as well as the rebates that are offered in select provinces and territories. The federal rebate is available to all Canadians who meet the eligibility requirements while the provincial and territorial rebates are only offered to residents who live select provinces and territories.
WHAT IS THE ELECTRIC FEDERAL REBATE?
Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles Program (iZEV)
The Canadian government has invested $1.5 billion dollars into an incentive program to help consumers make the switch to electric vehicles. The program is called iZEV, where the ‘I’ stands for ‘incentive’ and the ZEV stands for the type of vehicle – zero-emission vehicle. Under the program, Canadian consumers can receive up to $5000 in rebates when they buy a zero-emission vehicle. The amount of money you can receive depends on the specific type of vehicle.
WHAT VEHICLES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR the iZEV REBATE?
Any vehicle that is battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen fuel cell can qualify for the rebate. However, the program has two different tiers, and each tier offers a different amount of money.
Tier One: Tier One vehicles can receive up to $5000 in rebate and include:
- Battery-electric vehicles
- Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
- Longer-range plug-in hybrid vehicles
Tier Two: Tier Two vehicles can receive up to $2,500 in rebates and include:
- Shorter range plug-in hybrid vehicles
There are other eligibility requirements that your vehicle must meet in order for you to receive the rebate. Vehicles must be on the list of iZEV-approved models, the retail price must be lower than $45 000, and the vehicle must be new. There are exceptions to the maximum purchase price depending on things like the vehicle’s seat capacity, or upgrades, like ‘trims’.
HOW DO I GET MY REBATE?
Receiving the rebate is about as simple as it gets. You will receive the rebate at the dealership or online at point-of-sale of the vehicle. There is no need to apply; the dealership will handle all the paperwork for you.
WHAT PROVICIAL EV REBATES ARE AVAILABLE?
Along with the federally funded government rebates, there are some provinces and territories that offer their own electric vehicle rebates. British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Yukon all offer their own provincial/territorial rebates. These provincial and territory rebates are IN ADDITION TO the federal rebates, so consumers that reside in any of the following provinces or territories can take advantage of these ‘double rebates’.
Each province/territory has different eligibility requirements, though. And the amount of rebate offered differs from province to territory. So let’s take a look at the different provincial and territorial rebates offered, and the eligibility requirements for each.
BRITISH COLUMBIA: BC’S CLEANBC GO ELECTRIC REBATE
Residents of British Columbia can receive up to $3000 in rebates when they purchase or lease a new electric vehicle. The rebate is called BC’s CleanBC Go Electric Rebate, and the rebate is part of BC’s CleanBC Go Electric program The rebate is available to local government organization, non-profit organizations, businesses and residents of BC.
How much money you can receive depends on the type of vehicle you purchase or lease.
- If you purchase of lease a new battery electric vehicle (BEV/EV), you can receive $3000
- If you purchase or lease of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), you can receive $1,500
- If you purchase or lease of a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (FCEV), you can receive $3000.
*The dealership will handle all the paperwork for you. If you purchase an eligible vehicle, you’ll receive the rebate at the point of sale.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR REBATES UNDER BC’S CLEANBC GO ELECTRIC PROGRAM:
Your new electric vehicle MUST MEET the eligibility requirements in order to receive the incentive rebate. The eligibility requirements are:
- THE VEHICLE MUST BE NEW – If the vehicle meets any of the following, it IS NOT ELIGIBLE: The vehicle was previously registered in BC or any other jurisdiction. The vehicle was ‘the subject of retail sale’. The vehicle was an aftermarket plug-in electric vehicle conversion. The vehicle was previously registered out-of-province. The vehicle is not new. The vehicle has been re-leased.
- The VEHCILE MUST BE CERTIFIED – The vehicle must meet all of the requirements outline in Transport Canada’s Motor Safety Act and its regulations. The vehicle must be covered by either a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or by an EPA certificate in accordance with the On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulation under the Canadian Environment Protection Act.
- THE VEHICLE MSRP MUST BE LESS THAN $55,000
- THE VEHICLE MUST BE HIGHWSY CAPABLE: The vehicle must be capable of highway operation.
If the electric vehicle you purchase is a battery electric vehicle (either BEVs or EVs), a fuelcell vehicle (FCEV), or a plug-in hybrid and it has an electric range of 85 km or more, then you can receive the full $3000 offered under the program. If you purchase or lease a plug-in hybrid that has an electric range of less than 85 km, you are still eligible, you will just receive less of a rebate at $1,5000.
So, as long as your vehicle is new, it can drive on the highway, it is certified, and it doesn’t cost more than $55,000, your vehicle is eligible for the rebate.
ARE THERE ANY REBATES FOR A HOME EV CHARGER?
Yes. If you have recently installed an EV charger or you are planning on installing one, then you can receive a rebate of up to $350. This rebate is offered through the Government of BC and is administered by BC Hydro and FortisBC. The Home EV Charger rebate is available for EV chargers that are being installed in single-family homes. The EV Home Charger Rebate offers up to 50% of installation and purchase costs of new Level 2 charging equipment, up to a maximum of $350. So, if the installation and purchase costs are $500, you will receive $250 (50%). If the installation and purchase costs are $800, you will max out at the $350 cap.
I LIVE IN BC. CAN I COMBINE MY PROVINVIAL REBATES WITH THE FEDERAL EV REBATES?
Yes. Both rebates (the iZEV Federal rebate and the BC’s CleanBC Go Electric Rebate) can be combined.
BC residents can find out more about BCs CleanBC Go Electric rebate here:
https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca/
QUEBEC: ROULEZ VERT
If you are a resident of Quebec, you can receive up to $8,000 in rebates when you purchase or lease a new electric vehicle. This program is called Roulez Vert and it is being offered by the Government of Quebec.
How much money you receive depends on the type of vehicle, and the vehicle battery capacity.
Here is a general breakdown of the rebates being offered:
- For ALL-ELECTRIC vehicles – $8,000
- For PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES – either $500, $4000 o $8000 depending on the capacity of the battery
- For HYDROGEN-POWERED VEHICLES – $8000
- For ELECTRIC MOTORCYLCES – $2,000
- For ELECTRIC SCOOTERS – $500
***The vehicle cannot have an MSRP of more than $60,000. If the MSRP is more than $60,000, the vehicle is NOT eligible for the rebate.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR QUEBEC’S ROULEZ VERT’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE REBATE:
- The vehicle must be new
- The vehicle must have been acquired in Canada
- The vehicle be registered in Quebec for the first time
- The vehicle MUST NOT have been registered anywhere outside of Quebec
- If the vehicle is leased, the lease must be 12 months of longer.
- The vehicle must be registered in the applicant’s name
IS THERE A REBATE FOR HOME EV CHARGING STATIONS IN QUEBEC?
Yes. Quebec is offering a EV Home Charging rebate for people who purchase and install EV home charging stations. Eligible home owners can receive up to $600 in financial assistance. For more information about Quebec’s financial assistance, visit here.
I LIVE IN QUEBEC. CAN I COMBINE MY PROVINCIAL REBATE WITH THE FEDERAL iZEV REBATE?
You sure can! Just like residents of BC, residents of Quebec can combine the $5,000 Federal EV rebate with the $8,000 (max) rebate.
You can find out more about Quebec’s Electric Car rebate here:
https://vehiculeselectriques.gouv.qc.ca/english/rabais/ve-neuf/programme-rabais-vehicule-neuf.asp
NEW BRUNSWICK: PLUG-IN NEW BRUNSWICK EV REBATES
Residents of New Brunswick can receive up to $5,000 in rebates when they purchase or lease a new electric vehicle. New Brunswick has a goal – to have 20,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030, so they are offering rebates to help drivers offset the costs of electric vehicles. The program is called Plug-In NB, or the New Brunswick Electric Vehicle Rebate Program.
Like other provinces, the amount of money you can receive in rebates depends on they type of vehicle you purchase or lease. Here is a general breakdown of the provincial rebates available to residents of new Brunswick:
- For a BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE – $5000
- For a LONG RANGE PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE – $5,000
- FOR A PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE (NOT LONG RANGE) – $2,500
- FOR A USED BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE – $2,500
- FOR A USED PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE – $1,000.
*Unlike BC and Quebec, New Brunswick is offering rebates for USED vehicles as well as new ones.
ELIGIBLE VEHICLES UNDER THE PLUG-IN NB REBATE INCLUDE:
- Vehicles that have 6 seats or less
- Vehicles with a MSRP of less than $45,000 (although some higher priced vehicles will be considered to a maximum of $55,000
- Vehicles must meet all federal and provincial motor vehicle safety standards
- Vehicles must be intended to be used on roads, streets, and highways
- Vehicles must have at least four functioning wheels
- Vehicles must be highway capable
- Vehicles CANNOT be hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, electric motorcycles, scooters, or off-road vehicles. These types of vehicles are not eligible.
- Vehicles must be purchased in new Brunswick (unless they are purchased on-line because there is no physical dealership in NB
IS THERE AN HOME EV CHARGER REBATE IN NEW BRUNSWICK?
Yes. Through the Plug-In NB Rebate program, residents of New Brunswick can receive up to 50% of the cost of their new level 2 EV charger, for a maximum of $750. So if the charger costs $600, then residents can receive $300. If the charger cost $1800, then residents will max out at $750.
I AM A RESIDENT OF NEW BRUNSWICK. CAN I COMBINE MY PLUG-IN NB REBATE WITH THE FEDERAL iZEV REBATE?
Yes. You can combine both the federal and the provincial rebates when you purchase or lease an electric vehicle, as long as the vehicle meets the eligibility requirements outlined under each program.
To find out more about the Plug-In NB rebates, you can visit here:
https://nbpower.com/en/products-services/electric-vehicles/plug-in-nb/
NOVA SCOTIA: ELECTRIFY NOVA SCOTIA REBATE PROGRAM
Residents of Nova Scotia can receive up $3000 in rebates when they purchase or lease a new electric vehicle. The rebate is called the Electrify Nova Scotia Rebate Program.
The amount of money residents of Nova Scotia can receive for the Electrify Rebate depends on the type of vehicle. Here is a general breakdown of the rebate:
- For NEW Battery Electric Vehicles (6 seats or less) – $3000
- For NEW Battery Electric Vehicles (7 seats or more) – $3000
- For NEW Long Range Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (6 seats or less) – $3000
- For NEW Long Range Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (7 seats of more) – $3000
- For NEW Short Range Plug-in Hyrbid Electric Vehicles (6 SEATS OR LESS) – $2000
- FOR NEW Short Range Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (7 SEATS OF MORE) – $2000
- FOR USED Battery Electric Vehicles (7 SEATS OR MORE) – $2000
- FOR USED Battery Electric Vehicles (6 SEATS OR LESS) – $1000
- FOR ALL OTHER USED ELECTRIC VEHICLES – $1000
I LIVE IN NOVA SCOTIA. CAN I COMBINE THE ELECTIFY REBATE WITH THE FEDERAL iZEV REABTE?
Yes. Residents of Nova Scotia can combine the provincial rebates with the federal ones to maximize their savings.
To find out more about Nova Scotia’s Electrify Rebate Program, you can visit this site:
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND: EV INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Residents of Prince Edward Island can receive up to $5000 in rebates under the PEI EV Incentive program. The program is offered by the government of Prince Edward Island. Prince Island Residents who are eligible for the incentive will also receive a FREE Level 2 charger. Residents will be responsible for the installation costs of the charger,
The program is very simple. The rebate is available to any new or used battery electric vehicle, or any new or used hybrid plug-in electric vehicle, as long as the MSRP is under $55,000.
Leased vehicles are also eligible, but the amount of rebate varies depending on the type of vehicle and the length of the lease.
For leased Battery Electric Vehicles, leases of 48 months of more can receive $5000, leases of 36 months can receive $3750, leases of 24 months can receive $2500, and leases of 12 months can receive $1250.
For lease Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, leases of 48 months or more can receive $2500, leases of 36 months can receive $1875, leases of 24 months can receive $1250, and leases of 12 months can receive $625.
ELIGIBLE VEHICLES FOR PEI EV REBATE
- Vehicles must be purchased at a dealership
- Vehicles must be either a new or used battery electric vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle
- Vehicles that are purchased online, off the island, or through private sales DO NOT qualify
- Vehicles must have a MSRP of less than $55,000 (for 6 seats or less) and a maximum MSRP of less than $60,000 (for 7 seats for more.
HOW DO I GET MY FREE LEVEL TWO CHARGER?
The dealer will send the province all the required documentation, and once verified by the province, you will get your free charger by courier.
I LIVE IN PEI. CAN I COMBINE MY PEI UNIVERSAL EV INCENTIVE WITH THE FEDERAL iZEV REBATE?
Yes. Both rebates (the provincial and the federal rebates) can be combined.
To learn more about PEI’s EV Incentive program, you can visit here:
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR: EV REBATE PROGRAM
Residents of Newfoundland & Labrador can receive up to $2500 on the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle. The vehicle must be 100% ALL-ELECTRIC, though. Plug-in hybrid vehicles ARE NOT eligible.
The rebate is available to vehicles that are:
- New and 100% all-electric
- Used and 100% all-electric
- New and leased, with a minimum 48 month lease (100% all-electric only)
*Applications for the Newfoundland and Labrador rebates are only open until March 15, 2022! They are also on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once the allotted amount of money for the incentive program has been reached, there will be no more rebates offered.
Unlike other provincial rebates which are handled by the dealerships, the Newfoundland and Labrador rebate requires residents to apply. The rebate is NOT offered at point of sale at the dealership like it is in other provinces. Instead, the rebate is offered as a rebate cheque that will be mailed to successful applicants.
Your application package must include:
- A completed and signed rebate application.
- A copy of the final bill of sale or lease contract from an authorized dealer in Canada, indicating the date of purchase.
- A copy of the final vehicle permit from Service NL for the intended vehicle. A receipt is not proper documentation. It must be the full permit that contains yours and your cars information.
- Applications that do not include all required information could result in a processing delay and possible denial of your rebate application.
I LIVE IN NEWFOUNDLAND 7 LABRADOR. CAN I COMBINE MY PROVINICAL REBATE WITH THE FEDERAL iZEV REBATE?
Yes. Residents of Newfoundland & Labrador can combine their provincial rebate with the federal one.
To find out more about the Newfoundland & Labrador rebate, visit here:
YUKON: GOOD ENERGY REBATE
Residents of the Yukon can receive up to $500 in territorial rebates for the purchase of an electric vehicle as part of the “Good Energy” rebate. The rebate is retroactive, so the rebate can be claimed for any purchase that were made on November 14, 2019 or after.
ELIGIBILITY FOR YUKON’S GOOD ENERGY EV REBATE:
To receive the rebate, vehicles must:
- Be registered in the Yukon
- Be new
- Have an MSRP of less then $55,000
The amount of money that Yukon residents can receive depends on the type of electric vehicle. A vehicle that has a battery-electric motor, a hydrogen fuel cell motor, or a plug-in hybrid electric motor with a battery capacity of 15 kilowatt-hours or more can all receive a rebate amount of $5000. If the vehicle has a plug-in hybrid electric motor with a battery capacity of less than 15 kilowatt-hours, then the rebate amount is $3000.
I LIVE IN THE YUKON. CAN I COMBINE MY TERRITORY REBATE WITH THE FEDERAL iZEV REBATE?
Yes. Both rebates can be combined.
To find out more about the electric vehicle rebate offered in the Yukon, visit here:
https://yukon.ca/en/driving-and-transportation/apply-rebate-new-zero-emission-vehicle
GO ELECTIC TODAY!
As you can see, there is a lot of money available to you to offset the cost of your new (or used in some cases) electric vehicle, so there’s really never been a better time to ‘go electric’. To find out more about the Federal iZEV rebate, which is available to ALL qualifying Canadians, you can visit this site:
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